The last couple of days, Amsterdam launched an event to praise Flash.
We don’t really like Flash, do we? Security issues, CPU eating monster, crash-generating nightmare. Did you try running Youtube in HTML5? It works fine. And the best part is that you don’t need to install anything extra to make it work. You won’t even notice it’s there. Like it should be.
As in the article linked in the beginning mentions that Flash doesn’t work well on Mac OS X, I would like to ask: Where does it work well? I have used it on Windows on various computers and I rarely find it a positive experience (except in the few cases when the connection is very speedy, the computer includes good hardware, the content in the website is made by professionals as linked in this post and all various other factors that needs fulfilling. But it is a bit too much to ask of each and every person, isn’t it?). Every time I reboot, I am reminded of yet another bug fix due to security issues.
Which smartphone is the most sold one? Does it support Flash? No.
Does Flash run smoothly and speedy on any (smart)phone?
A little background info. I previously worked for the company inventing Flash. I supported people that had issues with Adobe Flash player in addition to other software. No wonder Adobe allocated web support only to Flash player, considering the volumes of trouble we would have had otherwise. I had enough headache caused by this constantly insufficient tool.
Before the era of Adobe, I used to produce content with Flash. Flash is fun. Creative people use Flash, I found. They create beautiful stuff that takes minutes to load (unless you reside in Sweden, where they have up to 1gb broadband connection). When wanting to go back, tapping backspace will not do the trick. In short, Flash is not very practical.
I find Flash impractical, beautiful, demanding and out of date. When I Googled these words, the first link that came up was related to Internet Explorer 6. Therefore I would like to encourage all Flash promoters to speak up, convert me. Please.
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8 Comments, Comment or Ping
Matt
I’m a flash developer myself and am getting pretty sick of using it to be honest. There really isn’t any need for it nowadays what with jquery and HTML5 in the bag.
It’s a lot of work for not a great deal more functionality. For example, having to make frikken scroll bars. In HTML they’re automatic, in flash you need to design and code them.
It is beautiful, and it can be amazing but yes, I think it’s outdated and going to be superseded very soon.
Mar 25th, 2010
Kristina
Thanks for the comment.
It’s great to get some backup, especially from someone developing Flash!
Another proper example is the other day when I went into website of Christian Dior. One would think that such a great brand would have thought about usability, but no. I was looking for information about their mission, values etc but was simply unable to find it. No search function existed, but just these beautiful clothes in Flash galleries and slideshows. Somewhat dissapointing.
Mar 26th, 2010
Paul
I don’t find Flash great. As whoever the author is (and he’s a good one!) said, even the most sold smartphone doesn’t support Flash. Not many do. I think Flash will be gone in a couple of years. Almost nobody likes it. As Steve Jobs’ said “The world is moving to HTML5″ while he was talking (or insulting, to tell you the truth) about Adobe and Google. I have to say, HTML5 looks pretty cool.
Apr 4th, 2010
Kristina
Thanks for the comment Paul! (I am the author.)
Seems like Adobe finally had it with Apple: http://uktodaynews.com/3199/adobe-planning-on-suing-apple-for-banning-flash-from-iphone-and-ipad/
Apr 16th, 2010
Justin
With HTML5 and Safari being used on so many phones and mobiles and it being free and open I don’t predict a bright future for flash. Remember Real?
Jun 18th, 2010
iPad Case
Flash is still legendary and is needed for a lot of things online. Even Apple cannot destroy it.
Aug 6th, 2010
Kristina
Justin: I have never tried Real, is it any good?
Ipad case: Are you sure about that? Not only because of Apple but simply because they are not adapting their tools for the market enough.
Aug 11th, 2010
Marcus
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Dec 19th, 2010
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